Inspecting the trailer

Operating the trailer

Exterior of the tractor

Exit the tractor and inspect the following on the exterior of the tractor. • Check for oil, water, or fuel leaks. • Check if the fuel tank cap on the tractor is secured tightly. • Check the front tires, wheels, and wheel nuts for damage. • Check the headlamps, clearance lights, identification lights, flashers, and turn signals for damage. • Check the rear tractor wheels and tires for loose or missing lug nuts and damaged rims, and check the tread depth and oil level in the wheel end hub cap. Ensure the tires are properly inflated.

Inspecting the trailer

After inspecting the tractor, inspect the following sections of the trailer.

Coupling parts of the trailer

Inspect the following on the coupling parts. • Check if the fifth wheel jaws are engaged and locked securely around the kingpin. • Check if the electrical cord from the tractor is fully inserted in the 7-way connector and retained by the spring-loaded connector closure. Also, ensure the cord is unobstructed, free of chafing, and not restricted. • Check if the air delivery hoses from the tractor are unobstructed, free of chafing, and correctly and securely attached to the gladhands. Listen for air leaks.

Side of the trailer

Inspect the following on the sidewalls and landing gear. • Check the landing gear for damage. • Check if the landing gear legs are fully raised and the crank handle is securely stowed in the crank handle holder. • Check if the fuel tank cap on the reefer trailer is tightly secured without any leaks (ThermoTech® model only). • Check the exterior sides of the trailer for tears or cuts on the surface skin.

CAUTION

The side closure of the Composite® model must not have any tears or cuts.

• Check the side doors of the trailer for damage (if equipped). • Check for proper placard and shipping papers (if equipped). • Check and clean side marker lights and the conspicuity tape.

Under the trailer

Inspect the following on the running gear assembly. • Ensure that there are no permanent deformations, excessive rust, or missing or damaged rivets at the bottom of the trailer, including the cross members. • Check the sliding suspension, ensure its position is correct for the load and the areas you will travel. All the locking pins must be completely engaged in the upper slide rail. There are 2-pin and 4-pin locking mechanisms on sliders. Ensure that all of the hold down brackets are firmly attached.

Operating the trailer

• Check each air spring (air bag) for damage, ensure it is properly inflated and listen for air leaks. • Check if the brakes, including the ABS system, are properly adjusted and can be operated properly. • Check the trailer wheels and tires, and listen for air system leaks. • Check if the mud flaps are securely attached to the brackets and if the brackets are properly secured to the trailer.

Inside the trailer

Inspect the following on the floor assembly. • Check the interior walls of the trailer for damage, particularly within two feet of the floor. • Check the floor of the trailer for missing pieces, cracks, delamination, wavy appearance, and water stains. These may indicate a hazard to the safe operation.

Top of the trailer

Check for roof damage. This indicates a mishandling of the loads when the trailer was loaded or unloaded.